Author Archives: VocalsOnTop

Coming Soon: Travis Meadows at Knuckleheads in Kansas City 1/25/18

Posted on December 17, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

WHO’S PLAYING?  Travis Meadows WHAT TO EXPECT?  Travis Meadows is a heartbreaking story and an inspirational one all wrapped together. Meadows beat cancer (losing most of one leg in the process) and started his long battle with alcoholism before his … Continue reading →

Posted in Coming Soon, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Album at a glance: Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits – Summer

Posted on December 11, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

Scott Hrabko & The Rabbits is a fun little project with plenty of twang and a whole lot of swing. The band trolls the dancy country music line with upbeat songs like “Anne Boleyn” and “Eyes of Bonny Blue.” Things … Continue reading →

Posted in Album at a glance, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

250 word album review: Will Johnson – Hatteras Night, A Good Luck Charm

Posted on December 2, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

Will Johnson dissolved his group Centro-matic and his main focus is now on solo records. He made solo albums before the band came to its amicable end but now they are his primary vehicle for putting out music. It is … Continue reading →

Posted in 250 word album reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Kochel Guitars, a unique recycling effort

Posted on November 26, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

When you see someone scavenging a fallen barn or junk pile you probably wouldn’t think that they are gathering materials for intricate musical instruments. That is exactly the case for Sean Kochel who makes traditional instruments from reclaimed material in … Continue reading →

Posted in VOT Editorial | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

250 word album review: Beck – Colors

Posted on November 18, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

I expected this to be one of the most disappointing albums of all time after hearing a couple singles. The songs “Wow” and “Up All Night” found my ears and I was instantly repulsed. The fact that this record has … Continue reading →

Posted in 250 word album reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

250 word album review: Toadies – The Lower Side of Uptown

Posted on November 8, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

The Toadies don’t break any ground with their new album “The Lower Side of Uptown” but they definitely are in a place in their career where they really don’t need to either. They still rely on heavy guitar hooks tearing … Continue reading →

Posted in 250 word album reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Dude Appears and the Return of The Ramey Memo by Danny R. Phillips

Posted on October 30, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

By Danny R. Phillips At just eighteen, Torrin Myers aka The Dude is a rapper of dedication and driven purpose. He twists and turns meanings, words turned inside out, with an ingeniousness and depth that belies his youth. Where some … Continue reading →

Posted in Coming Soon, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Concert Review: Craig Finn and John K. Samson at The Record Bar in Kansas City, MO 10/17/17

Posted on October 18, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

Seeing Craig Finn jolt to the side and point up in the air to emphasize his point is nothing unusual. His hand gestures are immediately noticeable and to be honest a little abrasive at first. The normally calm Finn may … Continue reading →

Posted in Concert Review, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Vinyl Court: Nick Waterhouse – Never Twice

Posted on October 18, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

Artist: Nick Waterhouse Album: Never Twice (2016) Purchased at: Live concert at Record Bar (Kansas City, MO) for $20 Nick Waterhouse doesn’t belong here. He is transported straight out of the late 50s or early 60s R&B scene and it … Continue reading →

Posted in The Vinyl Court | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Coming Soon: Craig Finn and John K. Samson at The Record Bar

Posted on October 12, 2017 by VocalsOnTop

WHO’S PLAYING?  Craig Finn & The Uptown Controllers (of the Hold Steady) and John K. Samson (of The Weakerthans) WHAT TO EXPECT? A showing of as much poetry as music. It will be in the form of music but both … Continue reading →

Posted in Coming Soon | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment